11.1 Petitions
Trainees maintain the right to petition the Program for any variance from standard policy or procedure. See Section 3.1.1 about petitioning to waive a course.
11.1.1 Format of Petitions
Petitions should be submitted to the Program via Formstack. Petitions will include the specific request, a complete explanation of why the request is being made and supporting documentation.
Forms are available for petitions for Withdrawal/Leave of Absence as well as for Extension/Continuation of the program online through the Registrar section of the website. trainee
11.1.2 Approval of Petitions
Petitions will be reviewed by the Executive Committee and require a majority vote for approval.
The Program Director or Associate Director will be responsible for communicating the results of the petition process to the trainee and mentors by email within one week of the Executive Committee review. A copy of this written communication should be placed in the trainee’s academic file.
11.2 Complaints
Trainees are encouraged to address specific complaints about courses to their instructors and address specific concerns about mentorship or advising to their Research Mentor, Faculty Advisor, or Program Director/Associate Director. If there is failure to resolve the complaint, or if trainees have complaints about the PhD Program or about the Institute, they can then file a complaint for action.
11.2.1 Submission of the Complaint
Complaints of an academic nature should be submitted in writing to the Program Director/Associate Director.
11.2.2 Format of Complaints
This document should include the specific complaint, a complete explanation of the circumstances surrounding the complaint, and any supporting documentation pertinent to the complaint. The written complaint is filed with the Program in a designated “Complaint” file.
11.2.3 Resolution of the Complaint
The complaint is initially addressed by the Program Director and/or Associate Director. If the complaint remains unresolved, then the trainee may write a petition for discussion at the next monthly Executive Committee meeting. The trainee’s Research Mentor will be responsible for communicating the resolution of the complaint to the trainee in writing within one week. A copy of this written communication will be placed in the trainee’s file and in a Program Complaint file.
11.2.4 Other Grievance and Appeal Procedures
It is the policy of the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (SHRS) that all trainees be treated fairly and that evaluations of their academic performance, standing, and progress are conducted objectively. The faculty in the SHRS are committed to grading and trainee evaluation practices that are fair, objective, and consistent with the standards required for successful health professions education and practice. Trainees who believe that the procedures, facts, or policies have been misinterpreted or that a decision was made arbitrarily may initiate an appeal after receiving an unfavorable response to their petition from the program (see Institute Catalog Dismissal Appeal Policy). Trainees who wish to initiate an appeal need to submit a request in writing to shrsdean@mghihp.edu within ten (10) business days of written notice of the program decision. Trainees should follow the Institute Catalog for grievances and appeals related to a warning, suspension, or dismissal. The Process for Challenging a Final Course Grade is outlined in the Institute Catalog under Grading Policy.
The IHP is committed to creating and maintaining a community in which all its members including trainees, faculty, staff, and visitors can live and work together in an environment free from discrimination. The IHP’s Title IX policy and guidance for reporting sex or gender discrimination (including sexual harassment and misconduct) can be accessed on the Title IX IHP website page. Trainees can reference the Title IX Reporting Procedures for Trainees and contact the Title IX Coordinators for Trainees. Faculty and staff can reference the Institute’s Sexual Harassment Policy on the Intranet for resolution of complaints and contact the Title IX Coordinator for Faculty and Staff.
To report bias and other incidents (non-Title IX), trainees can submit an Incident Report form through the Office of Trainee and Alumni Services. Trainees must provide their name and IHP email address in the report, which will be reviewed by the Dean of Trainee and Alumni Services. Trainees, faculty and staff can also submit reports anonymously through the Institute Input form, which will be reviewed by the IHP President.